The thyroid gland is the most important organ of the human endocrine system that produces thyroid hormones. These hormones affect metabolism and the functioning of the central nervous system. If the thyroid gland is dysfunctional, serious diseases such as hypothyroidism and diffuse goiter can occur. Various diagnostic methods can be used to detect a disease of the gland.
Palpation of the thyroid gland
In some diseases, not only the function of the gland is disrupted, but also physiological changes occur. The thyroid gland may increase in size, nodules, seals and signs of goiter may appear in the tissues of the organ. For the initial diagnosis, the endocrinologist uses such an examination method as palpation. This is a simple study, the doctor asks the patient to take a regular sip and, at the time of swallowing, probes the neck area with his fingers. If the thyroid gland is severely affected, then on palpation, the patient may feel severe pain. Palpation allows only preliminary conclusions to be drawn; instrumental and laboratory research methods are used for a more accurate diagnosis.
Instrumental diagnostics of the thyroid gland
An ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland allows you to assess the structure of the organ tissue. With the help of ultrasound, you can determine the volume of the gland, examine the blood flow in the organ tissue, detect nodes and measure their size. The direction for ultrasound of the thyroid gland is given by the endocrinologist, if any changes were found on palpation.
If, according to the results of ultrasound, large nodular formations in the tissues of the gland were detected, then a puncture biopsy may be prescribed to the patient. This examination allows you to identify the nature of the neoplasm and exclude the oncological process. The doctor uses a fine needle to penetrate the goiter and take tissue samples. The puncture is necessarily carried out under ultrasound control.
For malignant tumors in the thyroid gland, scintigraphy is performed. This examination allows you to identify the prevalence of the oncological process and detect metastases. In the process of this examination, a certain amount of radioactive substances is injected into the human body. By the foci of absorption of radioactive iodine in the tissue of the organ, it is possible to determine the affected areas.
Laboratory diagnostics of the thyroid gland
With the help of a blood test from a vein for hormones, it is possible to determine the functional state of the gland, that is, to understand how well the organ performs its function. Blood for analysis is taken strictly on an empty stomach. As part of laboratory diagnostics, the level of TSH, T3 and T4 is most often determined.
TSH is a thyroid-stimulating hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland, with the help of this hormone, the endocrine function of the thyroid gland is regulated. The TSH level will depend on the hormone levels of the gland. If the level of thyroid hormones decreases, then the pituitary gland begins to actively produce thyroid-stimulating hormone, and the level of TSH in the blood rises. If the thyroid gland produces excess hormones, then the level of TSH in the blood will be below normal.
T3 is a hormone called triiodothyronine, which is produced by the thyroid gland. A T3 test is indicated if hyperthyroidism is suspected. T4 is a hormone called thyroxine, which is also a thyroid hormone. This hormone is more important for determining hormonal disorders than T3. An elevated T4 level indicates the presence of hyperthyroidism, and a low level indicates the presence of hypothyroidism.
